Flight Training - September 2011 - 34

PEACOCKS PARADE around the grounds (above). Kim Lujan Pollo of Key West, Florida, proudly displays a golden trout (below) she pulled from the White River.

ARRIVING BY AIRPLANE
The 3,200-foot Runway 6/24 at Gaston’s (3M0) is an inviting stretch of greenery, but it has its quirks, and pilots are advised to do their research before making a first visit. Call the resort (870-431-5202) for a report on the runway’s condition. Aircraft generally land to the west but take off to the east, to remain clear of power lines that stretch across the White River. Be vigilant for landing and departing aircraft, as well as people, animals, or birds on the runway. Trees form a gateway to the approach end of the runway, which unnerves some pilots—but if you attempt to glide over them instead of flying between them, you may not leave yourself enough runway for the rollout. Be mindful of a dip near the midpoint of the runway. Gaston’s elevation is 479 feet msl; density altitude can be a factor when departing with passengers, luggage, and fishing gear. Gaston’s will shuttle your passengers and bags to nearby Ozark Regional Airport (KBPK) if safety dictates a longer runway. Similarly, if your airplane doesn’t do well on an unpaved surface, or if you’d rather not land on one, you can land at Ozark Regional and Gaston’s will come pick you up.

Virtually every cabin has a view of the White River. Strategically placed feeders bring a huge variety of birds, along with squirrels and woodchucks, to your door each day. Two nature trails wind through the property; one has a peacock habitat whose inhabitants will greet you with raucous cries long before they come into view. Your dog can enjoy the sights and sounds of Gaston’s wildlife, too. Owner Jim Gaston loves his dogs and doesn’t believe you should have to vacation without yours. There’s no charge for pets, but they must be on a leash when outside your cabin. BRING YOUR ROD ’N REEL. Songbirds are wonderful, but you didn’t come here just to look at birds. You came here to fish! Located along two miles of the White River, Gaston’s is world famous for its trout fishing. At least four different varieties can be found here, yours for the catching (and releasing, if you desire).

As you eat your breakfast in the restaurant, whose expansive dining room also overlooks the river, you’ll see boatloads of visitors and their guides debarking from Gaston’s enormous floating dock. At lunchtime, gleeful guests return with full nets, comparing notes on who caught the most and whose fish are biggest. During a May visit to the resort, a thrilled guest showed off her prize: a rare golden trout. After envious friends took several photographs, the guest leaned over and tossed the fish back into the swift-moving water. Rainbow, brown, cutthroat, and brook trout all have been hooked from these waters. Put on your waders and fly fish from the shallow parts of the river, or, if the water level is too high— as was the case in May, which had seen a lot of rain—rent a boat. Gaston’s has more than 70 outboard watercraft. You can also hire a guide to take you to the best spots. A well-stocked shop has rods, reels, and other gear that you can rent, and sells flies, bait, insect repellant, and anything else you might need. If you prefer to hang onto your trout, Gaston’s will keep it on ice for you, or the kitchen staff will prepare it for your dinner. What could be more memorable than a delicious dinner featuring a freshly caught fish that you hooked yourself? FAMILY TRADITION. When Al Gaston purchased the resort in 1958, it featured 20 acres of river frontage, six cabins, six boats, and an 1,800-foot runway, “which in those days was more than adequate,” says his son, Jim. In 1980 Gaston’s acquired 80 acres and used some of that property

Gaston’s White River Resort
1777 River Road Lakeview, Arkansas 76242 870-431-5202 www.gastons.com Runway 6/24, turf, 3,200 feet Kansas City Sectional Field elevation: 479 msl Unicom frequency: 122.8

34 /

FLIGHTTRAINING.AOPA.ORG

http://www.gastons.com http://FLIGHTTRAINING.AOPA.ORG

Flight Training - September 2011

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Flight Training - September 2011